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Director Of Policy Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Head of Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

With the Associate Director of Policy & Advocacy, run an annual Capitol Hill Policy Fellows program for Braven Post-Accelerator Fellows, bringing students to DC and helping them obtain influential ...

Head of Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

With the Associate Director of Policy & Advocacy, run an annual Capitol Hill Policy Fellows program for Braven Post-Accelerator Fellows, bringing students to DC and helping them obtain influential ...

Head of Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

With the Associate Director of Policy & Advocacy, run an annual Capitol Hill Policy Fellows program for Braven Post-Accelerator Fellows, bringing students to DC and helping them obtain influential ...

Public Policy Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$134K - $164K/yr

The role provides expert analysis of policy challenges facing the LL/LD community, engages ... The Public Policy Director supports external communication strategies and public announcements ...

Public Policy Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The role provides expert analysis of policy challenges facing the LL/LD community, engages ... The Public Policy Director supports external communication strategies and public announcements ...

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Director Of Policy information

What is the difference between Director Of Policy vs Policy Analyst?

AspectDirector Of PolicyPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in similar fields; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, policy development, team managementResearch, analysis, report writing, stakeholder communication
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, corporationsThink tanks, government offices, advocacy groups

The main difference is that the Director Of Policy oversees policy development and manages teams, while a Policy Analyst focuses on researching, analyzing, and providing insights on policies. The Director has more strategic responsibilities and leadership duties, whereas the Policy Analyst is more involved in data collection and report creation.

How does a director of policy typically collaborate with other departments to develop and implement effective policies?

A Director of Policy works closely with a range of internal teams, such as legal, communications, government relations, and operations, to ensure that policies are both practical and aligned with organizational goals. This role often involves facilitating cross-departmental meetings, gathering input from key stakeholders, and translating complex regulatory or legislative requirements into actionable strategies. Effective collaboration is essential for anticipating potential challenges, securing buy-in, and ensuring smooth implementation across the organization. Regular communication and strong relationship-building skills are vital for success in this collaborative environment.

What does a director of policy do?

A Director of Policy is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing an organization's policy strategies. They analyze current and proposed policies, advise leadership on their potential impact, and coordinate advocacy or lobbying efforts. Directors of Policy often work closely with government agencies, stakeholders, and the public to ensure that the organization's goals and interests are effectively represented. They may also manage teams, draft policy documents, and monitor legislative developments relevant to their field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of policy?

To thrive as a Director of Policy, you need expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the relevant regulatory or legislative landscape, typically supported by an advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field. Familiarity with policy research tools, legislative tracking systems, and data analytics platforms is important, as are certifications such as Certified Public Policy Analyst (CPPA) when applicable. Strong leadership, persuasive communication, and relationship-building skills help drive consensus and effectively advocate for organizational priorities. These skills are essential for shaping impactful policies, influencing stakeholders, and guiding organizations through complex policy environments.
What job categories do people searching Director Of Policy jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Policy jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Director Of Policy jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Director Of Policy job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Of Policy job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About AACN

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for supporting and further developing AACN’s policy presence and by developing and maximizing AACN’s policy resources , responding to federal agency proposed rules, federal register notices, and nomination opportunities, and building relationships with federal agencies and non-government organizations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conducts analysis on critical issues relevant to academic nursing, prepares and implements mechanisms to share analysis (e.g. dashboards, fact sheets, policy briefs, tool kits) in accessible formats to AACN membership, academic practice partners, congressional and administrative offices, federal agencies, and any other community partners.
  • Monitors the Federal Register, provides regulatory analysis for the association, and prepares comments to federal register notices and other proposed policy and/or regulatory initiatives. Responds to requests from federal agencies and provides support in curating information. Additionally, reviews government agency information for updates of interest to the department’s federal policy agenda, nomination opportunities, and other policy efforts that align with new and ongoing AACN initiatives.
  • Prepares strategic communications and messaging to amplify AACN’s voice for key health and higher education policy discussions at the federal level.
  • Promotes the influence, visibility, and impact of academic nursing to key partners within the federal government. Serves as a liaison with the administration and facilitates the participation of academic nursing leaders in the federal government.
  • Serves as staff liaison to AACN policy committee, including providing strategic, operational, and administrative support.
  • Works closely with Chief Government Affairs and Policy Officer to coordinate legislative and regulatory priorities, issue areas to monitor, and share relevant information to ensure department efficiency and agility.
  • Identifies grant funding opportunities, writes proposals for funding in response to various grant opportunities, and serves as the principal investigator on funded grants.
  • Translates academic research into policy briefs that inform federal policymakers as well as health care and academic leaders.
  • Analyzes and utilizes existing data sources to recommend changes in federal policy, comments, or current laws that would be effective in addressing issues in academic nursing.
  • Prepares position papers on key policy issues and develops policy recommendations.

  • Conducts policy scans that analyze/synthesize information for consumption by the broader nursing, higher education, research, and healthcare communities.
  • Assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of conferences, policy speakers, summits, and other stakeholder events and preparation of any relevant materials for these events.
  • Prepares and presents to various audiences on AACN’s policy portfolio.
  • REQUIREMENTS

    AACN promotes higher education; therefore, a Master’s degree or higher is preferred. Additional professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

    At least 10 years of policy analysis, research and evaluation experience, preferably in an association or policy-related environment.

    Strong, proactive project management skills with experience managing and coordinating research projects, policy analysis, and federal comments.

    Exceptional written and editorial skills, including the ability to synthesize and translate complex policy priorities into clear and concise communications.

    Must be highly organized, detail oriented, flexible and collaborative, have good interpersonal and communication skills, and work in a collaborative team-based environment.

    Must demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and complete multiple priorities, while providing clear and effective communication with the team.

    Additional qualifications include ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, and strong analytical and research skills.

    Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data analytic software, and Outlook, and specialized software programs as necessary.

    Moderate travel may be required for this position.

    COMPENSATION RANGE

    $130,000 - $160,000

    APPLY

    Click Apply to submit an employment application, including a resume and cover letter.